Hello, Summer!

Today was Kathryn and Walker's last day of school. Mommy is usually sad when this day rolls around because it means no more free days for shopping or lunch with friends. But I have to admit, I'm a bit more sad today because it means saying a final farewell to the sweet little boys and girls that have been such a special part of our lives the last two years. It also means saying good bye to some awesome teachers who have not only taught my growing boy and girl so many practical things, but who have also faithfully taught then about Jesus.

I feel especially blessed that the Lord has used their school is such a special way the last two years. I pray, as we move to a new school and a different city this year and the following, that we will be equally blessed!

On a bit more cheerful note:), here are a few of the things Walker and Kathryn learned this school year...

• How to use the potty! PTL!!!
• How to drink out of a "big" cup
• Lots of fabulous songs (hand motions included)
• How to play/share with friends (still working on this one, but the classroom gave them lots of practice)
• Numbers, letters and shapes

And according to the measurements taken at the beginning of the year, Walker has grown 2 inches and Kathryn has grown an inch!

Now Mommy just needs to keep the learning ball rolling this summer! Any ideas for fun learning activities or just activities in general would be appreciated!!

Here are some pictures from this past year....

First day of school

Fun with classmates

Naptime

Look how much I've grown

A final picture with their teacher, Ms. Darla

Backyard Picnic

It was a beautiful day for a picnic!

And some watermelon (our first of the season)!

Just a little messy!

In case you didn't hear...

There's a new American Idol!!!

Team "Joint" Effort

Today, Matt competed in a triatholon relay. We were so proud of all of the training he put into today's events. And his efforts, along with those of his teammates, sure paid off. They came in 3rd among all the male relay teams! Go, Daddy! And Go, Team Joint Effort!

Here's Matt and two of his three biggest fans before the race (that began at 7:15 a.m. in a yucky lake in 60 degree weather!)

Waiting and watching for Daddy's exit out of the water.

Having fun playing around after the big race!

And, here's the rest of the team. They're trying to figure out how they finished in this picture (It took a bit of time before they posted the results. There were multiple races staggered throughout their race, so there were always people in different categories crossing the finish line.)

And here they are again after taking third place! The guys are looking forward to racing again next year!

Going for the gold!

Today was Field Day at Kathryn and Walker's school. Look at all the "olympians" parading out to the field.

Kathryn in action!

The big slide. Definitely a favorite!

Popsicles...an even bigger favorite!

Bounce, bounce, bounce....A sight every parent loves to see--toddlers completely wearing themselves out!

And finally...a picnic! All Walker wanted to do was drink!

We are so thankful the weather held out for today's events. Last year's field day was rained out, and this morning it looked a bit "iffy." But, fortunately, Mr. Sun broke through right in time for all of the games to begin! And the kids had a blast!

A Great Day!

Mommy's love tank was most certainly filled up this weekend! We actually had a house showing last night which required an impromptu three hour long family outing. For this quality time girl, I was in heaven!

An hour at Target, another hour for dinner at Chik Fil A and a bit more time spent riding around town! Hey, I was with my three favorite people, so I wasn't complaining!

Today proved just as enjoyable! Matt had to go into work this morning, so me and the kids had some extra time lounging around, eating breakfast, and watching cartoons! Just what I was hoping for!

We made "cini minis" for breakfast. They are yummy, so easy and an absolute favorite of my kiddos. I found the recipe here (my most favorite place for great ideas and fun reading), and also spotted it in one of my favorite cookbooks.

And look what Kathryn and Walker brought home from church! The perfect present! Of course, they don't really understand that it's for me. I basically had to pry them out of their hands for the picture!


And my sweet hubby bought this for me! I admit, I'm addicted. It literally only took me seeing one show, and I was hooked. Unfortunately, that first show was this season (number 7). Now, I only have six seasons to catch up on:)

This was the best picture I could get at lunch. My sweet trio took me to Jim 'N Nicks for Mother's Day lunch. I love their cheese biscuits and pig in the garden salad, but the best part was the lemon pie I brought home for dessert:) Unfortunately, getting the kids to sit still and eat is challenge enough without requiring photographs!

Too top it all off, Uncle Brad and Aunt Mak sent me a CD with tons of American Idol songs from this season. Thank you! I love it!!

As a side note, I've been reading Taking Care of the Me in Mommy by Lisa Whelchel this week, and it is an easy and very enjoyable read. I definitely recommend it to all of you mommies this Mother's Day!

It's that time of year again...

for FUN in the SUN! Oh, to be a kid again!

And don't you just love the Lightning McQueen and Princess swimsuits (and matching sunglasses). Very classy:)

In a perfect world, Kathryn might have one of these adorable swimsuits (one piece preferably) and Walker would have a pair of these. But those days may be over!

Because if it were a perfect world, Mommy would be wearing one of these numbers. But, for all practical purposes, what's really on my list is this swimsuit! Either way, I can always use one of these numbers for the best part of any swimwear ensemble (especially post kids)--the cover up!!